Archives for November 2011

US Senator Claire McCaskill is putting for legislation that will abolish congressional earmarks. It’s not a one-sided, Democrat thing either. McCaskill has Republican Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania in her court. The two introduced legislation yesterday that would limit tax or tariff benefits and stop specific congressional spending. McCaskill says her colleagues in both chambers are finding ways to work around the rules that restrict earmarks, and Toomey said those earmarks are lending to spending beyond the legislative branch’s means. Last year, Congress rejected a similar proposal.

Expansion and renovation at Scotland county hospital is continuing as staff and hospital visitors adjust to the newly-opened emergency room. The hospital in Memphis saw its first patient in the new E-R just after 7 a.m. yesterday. The new Emergency Department and admissions/registration area are located on the south side of the Hospital. Outpatient services is also access through the south door, where crews have built a canopy for patient loading and unloading convenience. The new concrete parking lot at the north entrance is complete and the north entrance is now open for visitors to enter the Hospital. The work,a long with a new Med-Surg nursing unit and patient rooms, is financed by 9-million dollars in low-interest loans and a USDA grant, all of which were funded by the federal stimulus.

Google maps show and tell you how to get from place to place — outdoors.

But now, Lambert Airport in St Louis is partnering with Google maps to get you from place to place inside the airport. Yes, inside. You’ll be able to get directions to, say from where you are, to coffee. from coffee to a specific gate. You get the picture. Lambert is the first one to partner with Google.

Kirksville Police said the rig was turning from Route P onto Lincoln, a right hand turn, and the back of the trailer went off the road and into the grass. The driver said he tried to miss another vehicle and swerved as he tried to make the turn onto Lincoln. He also said it was his first time using the new Highway 63 to get to Kirksville.

The Kirksville Community String Orchestra (KCSO) will hold a concert on Thursday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the Kirksville Arts Center at 117 S. Franklin Street in Kirksville. Works by Bach, Handel, Mozart, Purcell, and sacred and popular holiday selections will be performed. Free admission. Everyone is welcome!

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – A new impaired driving logo and slogan, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” was launched today by the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety.

The strong enforcement message conveyed in the graphic, which includes the image of a stylized police officer, reinforces the importance of driving sober and the legal consequences of ignoring that advice. Missourians will hear and see the message during a holiday radio, digital and print campaign.

“During this season of celebrations, we remind drivers of the dangers of driving impaired,” said Leanna Depue, chair of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. “It just isn’t worth the risk to get behind the wheel after you’ve been drinking or are impaired.”

“Our message is simple. No matter what you drive – a passenger car, pickup truck, sport utility vehicle or motorcycle – if we catch you driving impaired, we will arrest you,” said Colonel Ronald Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “Law enforcement agencies across thestate will increase their efforts to enforce Missouri’s driving while intoxicated laws.”

Impaired driving contributes to nearly 30 percent of all Missouri traffic fatalities. In 2010, 217 people were killed and 897 were seriously injured in crashes involving an impaired driver.

“Impaired driving continues to be a heartbreaking problem in Missouri and around the country,” said Depue. “Some contend that those who drive under the influence are simply hurting and killing themselves, but a substantial number of people killed or injured in these crashes are innocent victims.”

The holidays can be an especially dangerous time on the road. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas last year, 69 people died in Missouri traffic crashes (20 were impaired driving related) and 4,602 were injured (with 324 related to impaired driving).

If your celebration includes alcohol or other intoxicants, make a plan that includes a designated driver, alternate transportation or a safe place to stay.

“Having a plan before you go out can help keep you safe,” said Depue. “Because law enforcement organizations plan statewide sobriety checkpoints and DWI saturation patrols Dec. 5-12, it might also keep you out of legal trouble.”

Fire forced a Novinger family from their home last night. Communications records show the fire call went out about 10:30pm at 406 Marion Ave., the home of Allan and Joan Davis and their son, Matthew. None of the Davis’ were hurt, according to those on the scene. While the cause of the blaze, which is responsible for heavy damage to the home, is under investigation, the suspected cause is a recently-installed wood burning stove. Flames first burst forth in the attic space near the chimney, and by shortly after fire crews arrived, the flames had burned. A dollar value for the damage has not yet been figured.

It’s actually the annual Macon Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, and it is happening this coming up this Friday. This year’s theme is A Christmas Carol: “Christmas Together” 2011. The parade will be judged as it rolls and first, second and third places will be awarded for floats, and for decorated vehicles. If you’re set to roll, then line up by 4:30 p.m. The route is south from the Macon County Courthouse on Rollins Street to Vine Street, east on Vine St. to Jackson Street, north on Jackson St. to the Jackson Street Park. There are no Santas allow on any of the parade entries.

Students returned from Thanksgiving break to their stuff being stolen.

Students told police that who ever did it, took electronics. Police say there were four burglaries reported over the four day weekend, and say they’re all in the same area, and connected by the method in which entry was made into the residences. Three of four were in the 700 and 800 blocks of East Randolph Street, and the fourth was in the 500 block of south First Street. Police said who ever broke in, broke a window to get into each house. They took game consoles, laptops and flat-screen TVs. If you know anything about the burglaries, call police.

Novinger and Kirksville firefighters were called to battle a short-lived blaze in a Novinger home this weekend. The Saturday evening fire happened in a home on Route O on the west side of Novinger. According to firefighters the fire started in the chimney and spread to the roof. They were able to gain control of the blaze fairly quickly, and no one was hurt. A damage estimate hasn’t been figured yet.